Building Confidence for Dexter

June 4, 2013 by LB

As I walked out of the office at the end of the day, my mind was focused on the pending photography shoot of a friend’s elderly dog. I was feeling a bit apprehensive, not having had much experience with animal photography. Dexter is much loved and will soon not be with us. Adding to that apprehension was the fact that I wasn’t very happy with the photos I’d taken the day before.

When climbing into the truck, I saw the sun shining through these leaves. The colors were so like fall … in the beginning of June. As soon as I pressed the shutter, I knew I’d be happy with the result. In fact, I really couldn’t decide which one I liked best, so I posted all three!

And that was just the boost of confidence that I needed to go visit Dexter.

I’m not sure I captured the personality of this sweet old boy. What is it about a dog? No matter how much in pain or how hard it is to get around, a dog will still wag that tail and try to make the people around him happy.

What a guy! I’m so glad I met him.

First Kayak Float of the Year

June 2, 2013 by LB

The extensive rain and unusually cold temps have made this such a strange spring. I’m way behind on gardening and some of the weeds in my yard are as tall as I am! I’ve put fewer miles on the motorcycle than is typical for this time of year and I haven’t even had to turn on the A/C yet!

Despite all that, the temps are finally starting to rise and today, Karen and I were able to get on the river. I’ve got the truck; she’s got the kayaks. We knew that rain was coming but enjoyed the peace that floating the river brings and reached the take out spot right before the storm set in.

Simply lovely!

Charleston: Delicious!

June 2, 2013 by LB

After just 48 hours in Charleston, I had gained 5 pounds! Thank goodness I got some exercise riding the bicycle.

Some of you know that I live in a small town and the choice of restaurants, yummy though they are, is limited. So one of the reasons I love to travel is the opportunity to explore new restaurants, especially independent and locally owned restaurants, and new foods.

As I was getting closer to Charleston, Andrew asked if I had eaten. Was he kidding? I was waiting to savor the food of Charleston! Almost as soon as I got into town, we headed to a place called Five Loaves Cafe.

The food did not disappoint! The Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with roasted sweet peppers & asparagus over mixed greens was delicious and the Ultimate BLT Sandwich with smoked bacon, cheddar, thick sliced tomatoes, sweet basil mayo, lettuce & onion was even better!

Andrew had to work that evening, so I spent some time where he works, a restaurant called Taco Boy. I was completely distracted by the cold beer and amazing guacamole and am afraid I didn’t come away with any decent photos. The photo gallery on the restaurant’s website however includes lots of pictures of food, drink, and the wonderful decorations. Much of the artwork and furniture are reclaimed or recycled, and the place has a true feel of Mexico. (Of course, I’m guessing about that because I’ve never been to Mexico). I do however encourage you to check out Taco Boy if you are ever in Charleston … the Grilled Fish Taco and the Tempura Shrimp Taco were delicious!

(this photo is from the Taco Boy website)

The next day, we enjoyed an amazing brunch at The Grocery.

I started with a yummy cocktail called the Negroceri, made from Bombay Sapphire Gin, Aperol, Sweet Vermouth, and Grapefruit Bitters. I loved that the coaster was made from a menu and the drink was perfect for me – not at all sweet!

I enjoyed the Sausage and Egg Sandwich – a Ginger-Sage Sausage, Scrambled Egg, Cheddar, English Muffin, with ‘Dijonnaisse’ and my son had the Hangtown Fry – Fried Oysters and Green Tomatoes, Farm Egg Frittata with Bacon and Toast.

Another thing I love about Charleston restaurants, besides the tasty food, is that most of them are in spaces that are reclaimed / retrofitted. The decorations and artwork are unique, eclectic and beautiful.

Even the takeout was amazing! Basil Thai Restaurant offered me the yummiest Masaman ever (which I can’t get in my little city).

When Andrew moved to Charleston, I never really thought that FOOD would be one of the benefits of having him live there. I can’t wait to check out more restaurants on my next visit!

Charleston: Cycling to the Sun

June 1, 2013 by LB

One of the many great things about Charleston is that it is a community that bikes. Everywhere you look, you see folks riding bicycles. Unfortunately most are riding without helmets, but that story is for another time. I loved this dedicated “bike parking lot”.

A bookstore right in front of the bike parking lot uses cool combination advertising.

One of the purposes of the trip was to bring my son a bicycle so he’d be able to join the other cyclists in commuting and in play.

One evening, Andrew and I rode through Hampton Park and from there, found a curvy little pathway that led to the Ashley River.

It was the perfect place to watch the sun set over the river.

Such peace and tranquility … I was almost ready to move there!

Peony and Friend

May 30, 2013 by LB

Hmmm … shouldn’t this little guy be an ant?

96 1/2 in the Morning

May 29, 2013 by LB

I’m still editing the many, many photos I took during my 48 hour trip to Charleston and I’m looking forward to sharing some of them with you. Until then … something about this old home, and it’s address, caught my eye in the early morning light.

Dusk

May 27, 2013 by LB

My Other Bike

May 26, 2013 by LB

It’s no use denying it … since I fell in love with motorcycles, my other two wheeled bike sits unused and collecting dust. In 5 years, I have ridden less than 100 miles on the bicycle that I chose carefully and used to ride almost daily, 12 miles before work and more on the weekend. Charleston is the perfect place to explore by bicycle and I loved riding it over The Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge.

Just a few … Charleston

May 26, 2013 by LB

What a joy to be in Charleston in the spring! Temperatures in the 70s, and the smell of Jasmine everywhere.

The Final Myrtle Beach Post: The Beach!!!

May 25, 2013 by LB

This is the fourth and final post about Myrtle Beach Bike Week and my experience as a first timer.

One of the things that was a bit of a surprise to me about my trip to Myrtle Beach is that actually going to the beach did not seem like much of a priority. Me? At the first sign of the ocean, I pulled the bike over, breathed in the ocean air and relaxed into the view. I’m an Outer Banks, NC kind of woman … the Outer Banks is “beautifully natural, formed by centuries of wind, water and sand blown from the Atlantic Ocean, and home to a rich history; a place that inspires a true sense of adventure” (http://www.outerbanks.org/)

Even though Myrtle Beach is vastly different than a less developed beach community, it was during the very early morning hours that I found the ocean experience that I love.